CSRD-Berichtspflicht & Klimapläne

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Alle Aspekte, die die CSRD reporting obligation mit sich bringt, durchdringen zusehend alle Wirtschaftstätigkeiten durch den “Trickle-down-Effekt”. Nur noch kleine Unternehmen kommen without own climate plans, Environmental or ESG strategies as long as they are not a supplier or do not rely on corporate loans. However, reporting standards are also being developed for them, some of which will be mandatory from 2028 at the latest. Listed SMEs will then have to LSME reports and non-capital-market-oriented companies can publish VSME sustainability reports.

CSRD reporting obligation

Die CSRD-Berichtspflicht sollte eigentlich auf KMUs ab 2024 erweitert werden. Sie ist ein Teil des EU-Gesetzespakets “Nachhaltige Finanzen” und zielt darauf ab, die Transparenz und Vergleichbarkeit von Nachhaltigkeitsberichten zu erhöhen. Betroffen Unternehmen mit mehr als 1.000 Mitarbeitenden and a Jahresumsatz von über 450 Mio. €. The reports must cover environmental aspects, social responsibility, human rights and governance. New content for CSRD reports includes Taxonomybusiness model, Supply chainstargets, performance indicators and more. Reports must be included in the management report, audited by independent service providers and should meet the TCFD-Standards entsprechen. Spätestens mit dem Geschäftsjahr 2027 startet die Berichtspflicht in Deutschland und für Mutterunternehmen außerhalb der EU unterliegen ab 2029.

Climate plans as the basis for CSRD reports

A quarter of the companies affected by the CSRD reporting obligation have No climate plans or sustainability strategy yet. The main problems with implementation are excessive demands, unclear CSRD interpretation, time pressure and lack of resources. It is recommended to develop a sustainability strategy at an early stage, carry out a comprehensive data assessment and introduce clear processes. Errors in CSRD reporting can lead to serious consequences, including Fines of up to 5% of annual turnover or 10 million euros. Management boards bear the main responsibility, followed by the supervisory board. Companies should prepare themselves well in order to avoid legal and financial risks.

ESG standards are gaining in importance

"Greenwashing" is increasingly falling into disrepute and is now also being officially punished. The threat is not only Loss of reputation or stock market value but also heavy fines. Die ab Mitte 2029 geltende CSDDD der Europäischen Kommission, soll Unternehmen zur Einhaltung von Umwelt- und Menschenrechts-Standards in globalen Lieferketten verpflichten. Die Umsetzung in deutsches Recht wird für Mitte 2026 durch die Anpassung des LkSG erwartet. Demnach müssen Unternehmen negative Auswirkungen auf Umwelt und Menschenrechte ermitteln, berichten und minimieren. SMEs are Not directly affectedwhile larger companies must develop strategies for the Paris Climate Agreement. CSDDD is seen as a sharper sword against ESG violations and greenwashing.

Banks insist on climate plans, CSRD & ESG data

Various studies show that ESG criteria and climate plans in loan discussions with banks are playing an increasingly important role, also for small and medium-sized companies. EU regulations require banks to take ESG risks into account, which Significant effects on credit decisions has. According to the studies, 10 % of banks already require ESG data from SMEs, with a further 51% planning to do so in the foreseeable future. Small companies and SMEs face challenges as many do not yet comply with EU sustainability reporting requirements. ESG risks already influence the business model of 24 % of the banks surveyed, and 54 % have rejected transactions due to such risks.

Is your company affected by the reporting obligation?

CUBE CONCEPTS offers a free consultation to answer any questions you may have. Or have you not yet ESG strategy with climate plans for your company? Make an appointment now - our energy experts look forward to hearing from you!